Bulldogs made a little run early in the half, but never got within striking distance. Full post game video courtesy of our friends at VolReport:

Seems like a good pickup. Haven't been able to find out what his injury was that sidelined him this season, but he's started 28 games the three seasons before, between Penn and Stanford.

Right here in the Rumor Mill:

Highest ranking for the Bulldogs since 2019.
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Big win for the Bulldogs. Our man Aidan Locker covered the game for us. He'll have more coverage coming:

hey y'all, following my previous INsider, here's the full story on four-star Preston Ashley. Again, State in an excellent spot, but I think it's premature to put in a FutureCast just yet.

Full video from Jans' weekly media session, today:

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Hey y'all, I also talked just a little while ago with one of the Bulldogs' recent offers, Rivals100 OL Preston Carey. He told me he's up to a whopping 43 offers, as Alabama also offered this week.
Login to view embedded media Carey is originally from Long Island, New York, but has spent the past few seasons at IMG. I think it's important to note, though, that he told me he comes from a family without a ton of money, so he hasn't and doesn't plan to make many college visits. He told me he plans to use as many official visits as possible this spring, which will be the gauge he uses.

It's interesting that defensive analyst Tim Washington has been the one whom Carey said he's talked most with and who told him he had a scholarship offer. I don't think there's been a conversation with assistant coach David Turner, who would be the position coach. Carey just said Washington has told him Carey would be talking to Turner and coach Jeff Lebby soon. So my initial thought is that the Bulldogs are just throwing a dart here. They don't think they have a legit shot, but they're throwing an offer out just in case.

I do think State has a shot, it's just not super high. There's so many notable teams in here, like Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, I mean really his pick. And I don't think there's any connection here. Carey does like Turner's coaching history and the players he's put in the NFL and that seems to be the main reason for any interest right now. "Representing New York and developing into a first round pick, I don’t think New York has ever had a first round pick," Carey told me. "Coach Turner has developed all these guys. Coach Washington was just talking about how all the pieces connect."

Carey told me he's been "working at" getting the Alabama offer for some time now. And he specifically mentioned Tennessee and Clemson as two he's consistently heard from. Coach Josh Heupel even watched Carey work out today. So, I'm gonna say this is a long shot, but hey, you don't know if you don't try. If State can somehow get an official visit, we'll see. Until then, this is again, just a dart throw.

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Hey y'all, I just talked a few minutes ago with four-star Mississippi State target Preston Ashley. He told me he stepped out of his Spanish II class to call me LOL.
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Ashley told me he's up to 19 scholarship offers, most recently from Vanderbilt, Memphis and Southern Miss. It's very loose, but Florida State could be a spot he goes to this weekend. He'd told me he wasn't able to go anywhere, wasn't going anywhere, then said FSU, so we'll see. Sounds very fluid.

One of the main reasons I wanted to talk to Ashley is because coach Jeff Lebby and assistant coaches Phil Loadholt, Coleman Hutzler and Chad Bumphis all visited him in-person last week at his school. And after that visit, Ashley told me, "That was the first team to take a chance on me, in eighth grade. They hold a significant place in my heart, always will."

I did think it was interesting that Ashley said he has the tightest relationship with co-defensive coordinator Matt Barnes, but Barnes wasn't one of the coaches who visited last week. I'd imagine he's waiting to use his in-person visit separately. But Ashley said he also has a very strong relationship with Hutzler, whom he said he's known from before Hutzler was at State, when he was at Alabama.

A few things to note here: Ashley's uncle, Rock Preston, played at Florida State, so that's one to keep an eye on. But his dad, Tyron Ashley and another uncle played at Ole Miss. Preston Ashley said he does like Ole Miss, and that "it holds a special place." So, can't count out the Rebels here. But he also said his dad "wants me to live my own dream."

I do think the Bulldogs are in the lead and I'm tempted to put in FutureCast here. But I think it's a bit early. Preston Ashley told me he wants to release a top list soon, but that he and his dad do not want to transfer. Yes, he can and proabbly will change his mind, but that's admirable that's the mindset going in right now.

If he still talks about State the way he does now, when I talk to Ashley again, I'll probably put in a FutureCast. But let's just say the Bulldogs are in a great spot right now.

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These projections are subject to change as we learn information, but here's where I'm at with things exiting the first portal window.

Left Tackle
Jesse Ramil (T)
Jahkeem Shumpert (JC)
Breyden Turnage (F)

Thoughts: Ramil transferred to James Madison this past season after starting 10 games for Saint Francis at left tackle in 2023. Prior to 2023, he was the left guard for the Red Flash, earning 313 snaps in six games while starting three of those six. Then in 2024, the 6-foot-4, 297-pound lineman played 676 snaps for James Madison while starting all 12 regular season games. The big question for him is whether or not he’ll be able to survive as a blindside protector in the SEC with his lack of length. It’s a legitimate question, but he’s technically sound and has been pretty reliable in pass protection, allowing a total of 14 pressures and five sacks in 12 games this past season. I could also see Jimothy Lewis Jr. sliding over to the blindside if Ramil isn’t able to hold up here, but I’ve currently got the redshirt freshman projected to start elsewhere (stay tuned). Ramil is capable of playing any of the five spots along the offensive line, so his versatility will likely be useful somewhere.

At 6-5 and weighing 325 pounds, Shumpert brings more of a right tackle build to the table, but he’s on record saying that he has discussed playing the left side with the State coaching staff, so I’ve currently slotted him in here. We’ll see if that sticks though. I’ve also slid true freshman Breyden Turnage in as a left tackle due to his elite length (6-8, 285) and history as a multi-sport athlete (has also played basketball and baseball). A lot could depend on how his body develops, but in my opinion, he’s more of a long-term project (only has one year of football experience so far) on the blindside.

Left Guard
Jacoby Jackson -OR-
Luke Work
Jackson LaHue
Spencer Dowland (F)

Thoughts: Tough to argue against Jackson playing in all 12 games in 2024 while starting 11 of them at left guard and getting 658 snaps (good for third-most along the offensive line). With that said, his play was up and down, and many fans have been left wondering if he’s the sure-fire answer in 2025. I’ve currently got him sitting atop the depth chart, but I’m also predicting the rising sophomore Luke Work as an “OR” status, which means the two will be in a competition. Don’t get me wrong, it’s also possible that Work could man right or even left tackle, which is where he spent a majority of his playing time (11 games played, 7 starts, 332 snaps) as a freshman. He did get 21 snaps at left guard against Toledo in Week 3 though, and that was actually his highest-graded game of the season, according to PFF. It makes sense to protect him from SEC edge speed by putting him in a phone booth, but understand that it’s still entirely possible that he plays tackle.

LaHue has some guard-tackle versatility, but I like him more inside. The true freshman Spencer Dowland might look more like an offensive tackle at 6-6, 290 pounds, but the former Auburn commitment has mentioned that State likes him as an inside option, which is why I have him here. Underrated signing for the Bulldogs, in my opinion. He’ll likely take some seasoning though and will need to spend some time in State’s strength and conditioning program before he’s ready to handle interior defensive linemen in the SEC.

Center
Carson Lee (T)
Koby Keenum (T)

Thoughts: The Bulldogs might’ve just landed their short and long-term answers at center. After transferring from Colorado to Eastern Michigan prior to the 2023 season, Lee proceeded to play 1,117 snaps over his next two seasons while playing in 18 games and starting 16 of them. That included 10 combined starts in 2024 , which were spread over all three interior positions, but Lee views himself as a center — and considering he’s only 6-2, 307 with subpar length, I tend to agree with him. He’s a serviceable run blocker, but pass protection is where he’s likely to help State out the most, as he only gave up nine pressures and zero sacks this past season.

Keenum is a guy State wanted when he was coming out of high school back in 2023, but he chose Kentucky over the Bulldogs and others. He’s only played 32 snaps over two years since joining the Wildcats, but I think he’s got a bright future in Starkville. Some might have him penciled in as a starter at one of the two guard spots (he’s capable of playing all three interior positions), but I have him more as a 2026 projected starter with Lee only having one more year of eligibility. This will give him some time to acclimate to a new offense and new surroundings in Starkville.

Right Guard
Albert Reese IV
Canon Boone
Matthew Lefeau (JC)
TJ Lockhart

Thoughts: Reese played 804 snaps last season, the most of any offensive lineman (by a wide margin too). Of those 804 snaps, 630 of them (or 78.4%) came at right tackle with the veteran starting the first 10 games there. Then for the final two contests, he kicked inside to right guard with Work moving over to right tackle and the now-departed Makylan Pounders being inserted back into the starting lineup on the blindside. Reese was significantly more effective as a pass protector playing inside, as he gave up just one pressure and zero sacks over the final two games after allowing a team-high 31 pressures (which was significantly higher than the next highest at 19) and five sacks in the previous 10 games at right tackle. He’s capable of moving back out to tackle, but I think he needs to stick inside moving forward.

Boone has the ability to be an emergency center if needed, but only 16 of his 175 snaps over the last two years have come at that position. He has been a serviceable to good option at guard when called upon though, so I think he makes for valuable depth who could actually surprise some people and push for playing time at left guard (he performed well there down the stretch prior to an injury). With me having Jackson and Word battling it out over there though, I’ve got Boone as the No. 2 right guard providing a capable body behind Reese. Lefeau is a massive presence (6-6, 355) who played left tackle on the JUCO level, but he’s expected to move inside at State. With his background coming on the left side, I can see him playing left guard, but he’s capable of playing either. He won’t enroll until the summer, which will make it harder for him to get involved in any ongoing competitions. I like him though.

Right Tackle
Jimothy Lewis Jr.
Saquon Miles (JC)
Malik Ellis

Thoughts: Lewis has tremendous upside. I’m not telling you anything that you don’t already know, but it’s at least worth mentioning again. The physical tools are there, and 2024 was mostly about getting at least some experience under his belt. That only resulted in 52 snaps over four games, but State was able to preserve his redshirt status while also getting him some valuable reps down the stretch (32 snaps over the last two games against SEC opponents Missouri and Ole Miss). The results were positive, as the young, ascending talent didn’t give up a single sack or pressure in 28 pass blocking snaps this past season. It’s still a small sample size, but the arrow is pointing way up for this guy.

Personally, I can see my two projected tackles (Ramil and Lewis) swapping positions before it’s all said and done, but I’ll leave it “as is” for now. Miles was widely considered one of the top JUCO tackles — if not the top JUCO tackle — available. He’s capable of playing either side, but with Shumpert being given the green light to start off at left tackle, I have Miles slotted in here on the right side for the time being. Between Lewis, Ramil, Miles and Shumpert, I think State has some decent options outside, but with me projecting Reese and Work inside for 2025, I do think another portal tackle will be targeted after the spring. We’ll have to wait and see who that player is before I consider shaking up the depth chart projections though. Stay tuned.

Stone was arguably State's best defender last season. Had 124 tackles, 3.5 for loss last fall:
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Looking like this will be the Bulldogs' main returner this fall. Had some solid returns last fall for Georgia.

With the addition of former Georgia wide receiver Anthony Evans, Mississippi State has now completed its room for 2025. The most important aspect of this signing is what rising junior brings to the table as a starting-caliber slot option. In the six seasons Jeff Lebby has been either a play-caller or head coach on the Division I level, his team's starting slot receiver led the offense in receiving yards. To further this point, I've included Lebby’s top 4-5 receivers from each season dating back to 2019.

Mississippi State (2024)
Kevin Coleman

• 630 slot snaps
• 729 total snaps (86.4%)
• Targets: 102
• 74 catches, 932 yards (12.6 YPC), 6 TD

Jordan Mosley
Kelly Akharaiyi
Mario Craver
Creed Whittemore

Oklahoma (2023)
Drake Stoops

• 704 slot snaps
• 788 total snaps (89.3%)
• Targets: 107
• 84 catches, 962 yards (11.5 YPC), 10 TD

Nic Anderson
Jalil Farooq
Andrel Anthony
Jayden Gibson

Oklahoma (2022)
Marvin Mims

• 220 slot snaps
• 804 total snaps (27.4%)
• Targets: 87
• 54 catches, 1,083 yards (20.1 YPC), 6 TD

Jalil Farooq
Drake Stoops

• 574 slot snaps
• 684 total snaps (83.9%)
• Targets: 60
• 39 catches, 393 yards (10.1 YPC), 3 TD

Theo Wease Jr.

Ole Miss (2021)
Dontario Drummond

• 496 slot snaps
• 802 total snaps (61.9%)
• Targets: 94
• 76 catches, 1,028 yards (13.5 YPC), 8 TD

Braylon Sanders
Jahcour Pearson

• 295 slot snaps
• 563 total snaps (52.4%)
• Targets: 40
• 26 catches, 392 yards (15.1 YPC)

Jonathan Mingo
Dannis Jackson

Ole Miss (2020)
Elijah Moore

• 491 slot snaps
• 630 total snaps (77.9%)
• Targets: 101
• 86 catches, 1,193 yards (13.9 YPC), 8 TD

Dontario Drummond
Jonathan Mingo
Braylon Sanders

UCF (2019)
Gabriel Davis

• 47 slot snaps
• 851 total snaps (5.5%)
• Targets: 128
• 72 catches, 1,241 yards (17.2 YPC), 12 TD

Tre Nixon
Mario Williams

• 627 slot snaps
• 704 total snaps (89.1%)
• Targets: 69
• 51 catches, 717 yards (14.1 TPC), 6 TD

Jacob Harris

• 314 slot snaps
• 424 total snaps (74.1%)
• Targets: 42
• 19 catches, 448 yards (23.6 YPC), 1 TD

So the only two years where you didn't see Lebby's slot leading the team in receiving production was in 2022 and 2019, but there's two caveats I want to point out: 1) Mims still saw north of 25% of his snaps inside in 2022 and 2) Williams and Harris still combined to put up quality numbers inside at UCF back in 2019. In other words, the slot remains one of the most critical positions in a Lebby offense. We once again saw that in 2024 with the now-departed Kevin Coleman leading the way.

Prior to Evans addition on Wednesday, here were the slot percentages for some of the top competitors in State's wide receiver room:

Markus Allen (Eastern Michigan)

• 2024: 53/611 (8.7%)
• 2022 (Wisconsin): 14/107 (13.1%)
• 2021 (Wisconsin): 14/39 (35.9%)

Jaron Glover (Michigan State)

• 2024: 32/234 (15.7%)
• 2023: 5/325 (1.5%)
• 2022: 0/21 (0%)

Cam Thompson (Northern Illinois)

• 2024: 31/496 (6.3%)
• 2023: 6/90 (6.7%)
• 2022 (Eastern Illinois): 26/27 (96.3%)

Brenen Thompson (Oklahoma)

• 2024: 51/546 (9.3%)
• 2023: 12/30 (40%)
• 2022: 7/45 (15.6%)

Ayden Williams (Ole Miss)

• 2024: 8/84 (9.5%)
• 2023: 10/123 (8.1%)

Jordan Mosley (Returning Starter)

• 2024: 45/548 (8.2%)
• 2023: 23/194 (11.9%)
• 2022: 0/20 (0%)
• 2021: 2/36 (5.6%)

Brenen Thompson has the ability to play some inside, but the Bulldogs were desperately needing a potential impact player there in Year 2 under Lebby. The sample size for Evans remains small with only 201 career snaps, but he's spent almost two-thirds (64.7%) of his college career in the slot.

Anthony Evans III

• 2024: 48/110 (43.6%)
• 2023: 82/91 (90.1%)

Another element I noticed about the multiple additions from the transfer portal that makes this room feel more like what Lebby has fielded at previous stops: the overall size factor. Below, we’ll look at those same wide receiver rooms and the sizes of the different players. I want you to see if you notice a pattern in other years compared to 2024 at Mississippi State.

Mississippi State (2024)
Kevin Coleman (5-11, 180)
Jordan Mosley (6-0, 195)
Kelly Akharaiyi (6-1, 200)
Mario Craver (5-10, 170)
Creed Whittemore (5-11, 185)

Oklahoma (2023)
Drake Stoops (5-10, 189)
Nic Anderson (6-4, 207)
Jalil Farooq (6-1, 208)
Andrel Anthony (6-1, 190)
Jayden Gibson (6-5, 196)

Oklahoma (2022)
Marvin Mims (5-11, 182)
Jalil Farooq (6-1, 203)
Drake Stoops (5-10, 190)
Theo Wease Jr. (6-3, 205)

Ole Miss (2021)
Dontario Drummond (6-1, 220)
Braylon Sanders (6-0, 195)
Jahcour Pearson (5-8, 190)
Jonathan Mingo (6-2, 225)
Dannis Jackson (5-11, 175)

Ole Miss (2020)
Elijah Moore (5-9, 185)
Dontario Drummond (6-0, 215)
Jonathan Mingo (6-2, 215)
Braylon Sanders (6-0, 190)

UCF (2019)
Gabriel Davis (6-3, 212)
Tre Nixon (6-2, 180)
Mario Williams (6-0, 222)
Jacob Harris (6-5, 211)

Outside of UCF back in 2019 when there was size across the board, we've always seen a strong blend of body types at the top of Lebby’s wide receiver depth charts. We saw that near the bottom of Mississippi State's group this past season, and to an extent, Akharaiyi fit that description near the top, but look at the various additions out of the portal:

Markus Allen (6-2, 212)
Jaron Glover (6-1, 204)
Cam Thompson (6-0, 200)
Brenen Thompson (5-9, 165)
Ayden Williams (6-3, 205)
Anthony Evans III (5-11, 170)
Jordan Mosley (6-0, 195) - returning starter

Four of the six signings bring some of that length and size with thicker, more powerful builds. Not everyone, but that’s the point. There’s a nice blend of the bigger outside options with some of the faster, more dynamic players such as Evans and Brenen Thompson. This looks more like a Lebby wide receiver room.

The latest in the Recruiting Rumor Mill:

Bulldogs shot just 35% from the floor and Josh Hubbard struggled as well, with just two made shots.

Our friend Sam Spiegelman has an update on a pair of top Mississippi State targets, one at QB and the other at OL:

So many threes on both sides. But Bulldogs hit just 12-of-40 in a 95-90 loss Saturday to Kentucky. Didn't help that Hubbard missed a good chunk of the second half with foul trouble.